LELAND ALDRIDGE Indianola A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 8 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa for Leland James Aldridge who died March 3, 2013 at Windsor Manor Assisted Living in Indianola. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Leland was born in New Virginia, IA to Bluford and Lela (Kennedy) Aldridge on February 23, 1924. Leland enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Europe during WWII. He proudly served his country and received a Purple Heart before being honorably discharged June 1946. Leland was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and the American Legion for 59 years. On March 19, 1947, Leland was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Jones. Together they made their home in Indianola until Dorothy died in November 1990. Leland was employed as a mechanic at the Ford garage and later became the manager of Continental New Method (CNM) a farm implement company. Leland turned the management of the business over to his son, Dan in the spring of 1990 but continued to work daily until the age of 88. Throughout his life he demonstrated a belief in independence and strong work ethic. Leland was an inspiration to many. He had a sense of humor and enjoyed laughing with friends and family. He spent many vacations fishing in Canada and passed on a love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. In later years, Leland had a cherished relationship with Janice Alexander. Together they enjoyed many activities while sharing their love with family and friends. Leland will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. Leland is survived by his children, Sandy (Jim) Johnson of St. Cloud, MN, Dan (Jan Sarlat-Aldridge) Aldridge of Indianola, Cindy Simon of Cottonwood, AZ and Tony Aldridge of Urbandale, IA; six grandchildren, Danny Rae Aldridge, Tracy Aldridge, Robb Johnson, Heather Krause, Aaron Aldridge and Anna Aldridge; eight great-grandchildren, KyleighAldridge, Zachary Carlin, Tessa Carlin, Alyssa Carlin,Chase Johnson, Peyton Krause, Madison Krause, and Broedy Johnson; brothers, Albert and Randall; sisters, LaVeta Beitel and Delores Grant; and a very special friend Janice Alexander. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, brothers Cleo and Merrill Dean, and sister Leota Ripperger. Memorials may be given to Buxton Park in his name.